[BugManPaul]

Dried insects are brittle, so you need to relax them before pinning or spreading. Here’s the simple setup I use:

1. Get a plastic container with a tight lid.
2. Put a layer of damp paper towels or clean damp sand in the bottom.
3. Add a few drops of disinfectant or a little vinegar to the water to slow mold.
4. Put the insects on a dry layer (a piece of plastic or wax paper) so they don’t sit in the water.
5. Close the lid and wait. Small insects take about a day, larger beetles and butterflies can take 2 or 3 days.

Check them daily. When the legs and wings move gently without snapping, they’re ready. Don’t leave them too long or they’ll mold.

What relaxing tricks do you use?

[Author]

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